March 13th, 2016 | by VoiceCouncil

Learning Hard Lessons on the Road

Southern touring artist Nate Currin won 3 International music and Entertainment awards and his album ‘You and I are Ghosts’ climbed to #14 on the iTunes chart.

He explains how he keeps his voice fit and how he connects with his fans.

How many shows do you do?
I’ve performed over 600 shows the last 8-10 years all across the US. Even a handful of shows in the Caribbean and Europe! I’ve driven over 400,000 miles in the process, covering a lot of ground and standing on a lot of stages – both big and small.

I’ve driven over 400,000 miles in the process, covering a lot of ground and standing on a lot of stages – both big and small

How do you stay in peak condition on the road?
It’s so important to properly warm your vocals up. I’ve slipped up on stage a few times and sounded like a wounded rhino because of failure to warm up my vocals! Drink lots of water and stay away from anything that dries you out. Also, don’t stress! It’s important to stay relaxed.

A performance highlight?
I had the privilege of singing the national anthem in Israel once for a party on the 4th of July. That was a pretty surreal experience! I have shared the stage with some of my music heroes too!

Something that’s worked for you in reaching a larger audience?
Social media has the power to significantly expand your fan base and if you learn to use it correctly you’ll find much success.

Give us a tip on how to handle social media?
Be careful what you say. If you want to cater to your fan base stay away from issues like politics. Just be encouraging, post positive messages and make fans feel like you’re just as concerned about them as you are about your music and yourself.

A tip on ‘performing’ in the YouTube venue?
Don’t publish anything to YouTube that you’re not 100% happy with. You can always pull videos down, but once they’re up there you never know who is going to watch them, and you never get a second chance to impress for the first time.

What obstacles have you had to overcome for your love of singing?
I’ve struggled financially, emotionally, and physically, enduring some serious health problems to live life out on the road and tour/sing as much as I do. I’ve sold just about everything and depleted any savings that I have had to release multiple albums, but it’s all worth it.

A musical lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
There are tons of “good opportunities” out there that are simply nothing more than opportunists looking to make a quick buck.

A vocal lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
If you’re unsure you can hit that note in a live show, don’t try to hit that note. I’ve gone for it a few times and came up short. It’s embarrassing and throws you off. Learn to stay within your range.

Tell us about your favourite singers?
I’ve always been impressed with the vocal quality of those who play multiple instruments while singing and I love soul and R&B vocalists of the past. Aretha Franklin, Brian Wilson, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Van Morrison. But seriously, best vocalist of all time would have to be Freddy Mercury!

With over 400,000 miles and 600 shows logged the last 10 years, Nate Currin is a troubadour in every sense of the word. Originally from Georgia, Nate has enough of the south in his voice and writing that it shines through, but not without the influence of various experiences and places that only come from living the life of a rambling man. His album ‘The Madman and the Poet’ is out in April. Visit his website.